What Makes A Game A Game?

Well, what are some of the characteristics of a game?

There is an apparent and noticeable distinction between player and character.

The game has definable goals within the scope of the game that are applicable to the character. As in: the character within the game can have the goal of carrying a flag from one spot to another.

The player can have goals that extend beyond the game into other higher-order domains. As in: a player can have the goal of playing with a sense of humor about his or her situation -- or perhaps a player can have the goal of playing with an attitude of fairplay.

These are but a few of the characteristics of "What Makes A Game A Game?" If you like the game of solving this question Contact US.